The right side captures the dramatic bookends of the flight — Iceland's volcanic coastline and geothermal terrain at departure, and the Swiss Alps rising above Lake Zurich on arrival — giving it far more visual interest than the ocean-dominated left side.
Flown RKV to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Zurich is 1,622 miles (2,611 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean, with the Faroe Islands and Scottish Highlands occasionally visible on clear days along the great-circle route before crossing the North Sea toward continental Europe
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
RIGHTDeparting RKV toward the southeast, the right side offers views of Reykjavik's harbor, the Faxaflói bay coastline, and the volcanic Reykjanes peninsula with its geothermal fields as the plane climbs out over open water.
Landing at ZRH
RIGHTOn the descent into Zurich, the right side reveals the snow-capped Alpine ridgeline south of the city, including peaks near Glarus and the Alpstein massif, before the final turn over Lake Zurich.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Zurich. The right side captures the dramatic bookends of the flight — Iceland's volcanic coastline and geothermal terrain at departure, and the Swiss Alps rising above Lake Zurich on arrival — giving it far more visual interest than the ocean-dominated left side.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing RKV toward the southeast, the right side offers views of Reykjavik's harbor, the Faxaflói bay coastline, and the volcanic Reykjanes peninsula with its geothermal fields as the plane climbs out over open water. Notable sights include: Reykjavik harbor, Faxaflói bay, Reykjanes peninsula, geothermal steam fields.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Zurich, the right side reveals the snow-capped Alpine ridgeline south of the city, including peaks near Glarus and the Alpstein massif, before the final turn over Lake Zurich. Notable sights include: Alpstein massif, Glarus Alps, Lake Zurich, Zurich city outline.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Zurich?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,622 miles (2,611 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Zurich flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, with the Faroe Islands and Scottish Highlands occasionally visible on clear days along the great-circle route before crossing the North Sea toward continental Europe